Friday, April 30, 2010

Beat to a Pulp says no

Well, Beat to a Pulp said "Thanks, but no thanks" to my story Getting Even. It was by far the most encouraging rejection I have received so far. Here's what the editor said.

I really appreciate you submitting to BTAP and I certainly hope you do again. GETTING EVEN contains terrific writing and an interesting world that you have created. Unfortunately, the ending just didn't do it for me. I don't usually get this specific in rejection letters but I wanted you to know I liked many elements of this tale. Once again, please feel free to submit to BTAP (especially sci-fi) again in the future.

So, he really liked the writing. That was great to hear. Makes me think that I can do this. There is still work to do. I know I struggle with endings. It was something I was aware of before getting this rejection. This reinforces the point.

It was also nice to hear that the world was interesting. This takes place in a world that is fully formed in my head, but I don't know that I am doing it justice when I put it on paper. Looks like i may be on the right track.

Overall this is the second, and maybe third, personal rejection I have received. It's something that I was under the impression was rare. Maybe it is and I am just getting lucky. Doesn't matter, I'll take it. The personal feedback is making me better.

5 comments:

  1. Well at least they gave you some additional feedback. Keep up the good work.

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  2. That was some great feedback Jarrett, and hats off to you for posting it. I did a similar thing a few months back when I received feedback for a competition entry. Take it as constructive, as that is how it is intended and carry on. Practice makes perfect as they say. Write, write, write...and then write some more. ;-) Have a great weekend.

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  3. Jarrett - take note, and use the feedback to your advantage!

    The main 'plus' is that they are willing to receive more of your submissions - so I'd look on that as an encouraging sign and get writing again!

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  4. Jarret, David turned down my 1st Beat To A pulp submission last year. He gave me some positive and useful feedback too. Then I wrote The Tut and it seems to have turned out well.

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  5. Thanks, Paul. Nice to know I am in good company. He isn't the first person to say that and ending didn't work for him. Guess it's something I need to work on, even though I liked this ending. Maybe it just needs a tweak.

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